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Choose crutches according to your prescribed weight-bearing limit, balance, coordination, arm strength, handgrip, and expected duration of use—not simply the knee injury. A clinician or physical therapist should select or check the fit and teach you how to walk, transfer, and use stairs safely. Never support your weight on underarm pads.

Start with your weight-bearing instructions

Your crutch type does not set how much weight your injured knee can bear. Follow the limit given by your treating clinician. MedlinePlus describes four common instructions:

  • Non-weight-bearing: Keep weight off the injured leg.
  • Touch-down: Touch the foot down for balance as instructed, without treating it as a weight-bearing step.
  • Partial-weight-bearing: Put only the permitted amount of weight through the leg.
  • Weight-bearing as tolerated: Put weight through the leg as comfort and your clinician’s instructions allow.

If you are unsure which instruction applies or how to follow it, ask your care team before walking on the injured leg.

Compare crutch types

There is no single best crutch for every knee injury. The appropriate choice depends on your strength, balance, hand function, prescribed weight-bearing level, and how long you expect to need support. Have a clinician or physical therapist help you decide.

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#1 Best Overall
BodyMed Aluminum Crutches, Medium (Pair) - Adjustable Height (5'2" - 5'10"), Lightweight Design, Padded Underarm Cushions & Hand Grips, Non-Slip Rubber Tips - Supports Up to 300 Pounds
  • STAY MOVING! BodyMed Aluminum Crutches are designed for people 5' 2" "–5' 10" tall to help support ankle, knee, and leg injuries, helping you to walk with less strain on your injured body part.
  • SUPPORT & COMFORT. Lightweight and durable, these crutches offer balanced body weight support. Plus, the hand grips and underarm cushions are made with thick padding for extra comfort during use.
  • DURABLE. These adult medical crutches are designed to support users with a variety of heights and builds. These lightweight aluminum crutches have a weight capacity of 300 lb.
  • ADDED TRACTION. The durable, non-skid rubber tips provide good traction during use while absorbing shock for secure maneuvering on the go.
  • ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT. BodyMed Aluminum Crutches are adjustable in 1 in. increments. To adjust, simply press the push-button height adjustment to set your desired height.
Type How it provides support What to consider
Underarm (axillary) Commonly used for temporary mobility support. Needs correct clearance below the armpit. Support your weight through your hands, not the underarm pads.
Forearm (elbow or Lofstrand) Uses a handgrip and forearm cuff; can leave the hands less constrained. Often used for longer-term needs, but requires upper-body strength and trunk balance.
Platform Supports weight through a forearm platform. May help when handgrip is weak, but is less maneuverable and less commonly used.

Get the crutches fitted

Fit should be checked by a clinician or physical therapist; published fitting instructions vary somewhat. For an underarm-crutch fitting, wear the shoes you normally use for walking and stand upright. The pad should sit below the armpit with a small clearance, rather than pressing into it. Set the handgrips near wrist or hip level so your elbows are slightly bent when you hold them. Your clinician can verify the adjustment for your body and device.

Once fitted, bear through your hands on the grips. Resting your body weight on the underarm pads can put pressure on nerves and blood vessels and cause injury. Check the rubber tips regularly; worn tips can compromise traction and should be replaced.

Rank #2
DMI Universal Aluminum Crutches - Adjustable Underarm Walking Aid for Adults, Shorter to Tall (4'6"-6'6"), Push-Button Height Adjustment, 300 lbs Capacity, Slip-Resistant Tips, 1 Pair
  • Universal Height Adjustment - Crutches for adults that accommodate users from 4'6" to 6'6" with easy push-button adjustment in 1" increments, perfect for youth, adults, and tall adults.
  • 300 lb Weight Capacity - Sturdy crutches for women and men with aluminum construction provides reliable support up to 300 pounds while remaining lightweight for comfortable daily use.
  • 3-Position Underarm Adjustment - Features three adjustment holes in underarm tube for optimal fit: Kids crutches - Youth/short adults (#3), standard adults (#2), and tall adults (#1).
  • Enhanced Safety Features - Non-slip rubber crutch tips provide excellent traction and stability on various surfaces while protecting indoor flooring from damage.
  • Comfort & Convenience - Cushioned underarm pads and ergonomic hand grips reduce pressure points; foldable crutches perfect for compact storage and transport.

Learn to walk, transfer, and use stairs safely

Crutches take coordination and practice. Ask your clinician or physical therapist to demonstrate walking and transfers while following your specific weight-bearing instructions. MedlinePlus advises avoiding stairs until you are ready and practicing with help initially. Ask for assistance while learning rather than attempting stairs alone.

  • Keep pathways clear of cords and loose rugs, and use good lighting.
  • Check that the crutch tips are in good condition and nonskid.
  • Use a bag or other hands-free way to carry items; do not carry something in a hand you need for crutch support.
  • If you feel unsteady or the crutches do not feel safe, contact your care team about a different mobility aid.
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Make the choice with your care team

Before settling on a device, confirm your weight-bearing instruction, whether you can safely manage its strength and balance demands, whether your grip is adequate, and how long you expect to use it. A professional fit and hands-on instruction matter as much as the crutch style.

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Best Value
Aluminum Crutches for Adults & Seniors, 300 LB Weight Capacity, 1 Pair
  • Adjustable Height: These adjustable crutches feature 9 height settings in 1" increments to accommodate adults and kids .The crutches is equipped with a secure push-button locking system. Simply press the pushbutton in and slide the crutch up or down. Our crutches offer well-balance and proper posture for safer walking
  • Support Up to 300 LBS: The crutch is made of lightweight and rust-resistant aluminum alloy , aluminum crutches is sturdy and durable enough to supports up to 300 lbs safely. The crutches can provide reliable stability, ideal for relieve weight and pressure of a leg for post operation or surgery and after injury use. The crutch is perfect medical mobility aid for rehabilitation use
  • Comfortable & Support: Soft padded underarm cushions help reduce pressure and irritation, while ergonomic hand grips minimize hand and wrist fatigue during extended use. The hand grips are washable and perspiration-resistant. Besides, these crutches for adults provide balanced body weight support
  • Safe & Stable: Non-slip rubber tips provide better traction during use and shock absorption. It delivers excellent grip and balance on wood, tile, stair, indoor floors and outdoor surfaces, keeping every step steady and secure
  • Portability with Crutch Bag: The portable crutches come with a crutch bag for easy travel and compact storage
Rank #4
Drive Medical RTL10433 Adjustable Crutches for Walking, Silver
  • Adult Crutches: Made of aluminum, lightweight crutches provide great support without the heaviness of wood; capable of supporting up to 300 lbs
  • Comfortable Underarm Crutches: Feature comfortable and durable crutch pads for armpits and hand grips
  • Quality Construction: Large non-skid vinyl contoured crutch tips provide exceptional traction
  • Adjustable Crutches: The walking crutch features Euro-style clips and a pushpin that supports users of all ages and makes handgrip height adjustments easy. Height: 38.5 inch - 62.5 inch
  • Easy-to-Assemble Universal Crutches: Crutch can be easily assembled and taken down for convenient storage
Rank #3
BodyMed Aluminum Crutches, Tall (Pair) - Adjustable Height (5'10" - 6'6"), Lightweight Design, Padded Underarm Cushions & Hand Grips, Non-Slip Rubber Tips - Supports Up to 300 Pounds
  • STAY MOVING! BodyMed Aluminum Crutches are designed for people 5' 10" "–6' 6" tall to help support ankle, knee, and leg injuries, helping you to walk with less strain on your injured body part.
  • SUPPORT & COMFORT. Lightweight and durable, these crutches offer balanced body weight support. Plus, the hand grips and underarm cushions are made with thick padding for extra comfort during use.
  • DURABLE. These adult medical crutches are designed to support users with a variety of heights and builds. These lightweight aluminum crutches have a weight capacity of 300 lb.
  • ADDED TRACTION. The durable, non-skid rubber tips provide good traction during use while absorbing shock for secure maneuvering on the go.
  • ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT. BodyMed Aluminum Crutches are adjustable in 1 in. increments. To adjust, simply press the push-button height adjustment to set your desired height.

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